Tiger Conservation Outside Reserves is gaining critical attention as India faces rising cases of human-tiger conflict. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Union Environment Ministry has approved a pilot scheme to manage and conserve tigers that roam beyond the boundaries of protected reserves. Backed by the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), the scheme is set to cover 80 forest divisions across ten Indian states, aiming to balance ecological safety and human livelihoods.
Background of the Scheme
The initiative for Tiger Conservation Outside Reserves was approved by CAMPA’s executive committee, with a budget of ₹88 crore sanctioned for implementation until the year 2026–27. The scheme was introduced during a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was formulated as a response to the growing frequency of tiger encounters in human-dominated landscapes, which often lead to tragic consequences for both people and wildlife.
Objectives of the Scheme
The primary objective of this scheme is to address the multifaceted issues related to tiger conservation outside reserves. These include:
- Enhancing the monitoring of tigers in non-reserve areas.
- Strengthening the protection infrastructure through the use of technology.
- Managing the population of co-predators such as leopards.
- Increasing the availability of prey to discourage tigers from preying on livestock.
- Collaborating with civil society and leveraging local knowledge for better conflict management.
This comprehensive approach aims not only to reduce human-wildlife conflict but also to extend conservation benefits to areas previously under-resourced or overlooked.
Implementation Strategy
The execution of the Tiger Conservation Outside Reserves scheme lies in the hands of the Chief Wildlife Wardens of various states. These officials will work in close coordination with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The first step involves identifying forest and wildlife divisions with frequent tiger-human interactions, which will be prioritized for receiving funds and technical support.
Technology will play a crucial role in implementation. Tools like camera traps, satellite collars, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will help track tiger movements, predict conflict zones, and initiate timely interventions.
Human-Tiger Conflict Trends
According to NTCA data, approximately 30% of India’s tiger population now resides outside designated tiger reserves. These tigers often stray into agricultural fields and villages, leading to increased incidents of livestock predation and, in some tragic cases, human casualties.
From 2020 to 2024, 382 human fatalities were linked to tiger conflicts in India. Hotspot regions include Chandrapur in Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, and areas near the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
This alarming trend underlines the urgent need for focused tiger conservation outside reserves to prevent further loss of human life and to protect the future of India’s national animal.
Challenges and Risks
One of the biggest challenges in tiger conservation outside reserves is the territorial nature of tigers. Their expansion into non-reserve areas often leads to the displacement of other predators like leopards, potentially increasing the scale and complexity of human-wildlife conflicts.
Additionally, agricultural areas that lie adjacent to forest patches are especially vulnerable. Here, tigers find easy prey in the form of livestock, which brings them into direct conflict with local communities. This often results in retaliatory killings, despite legal protections.
Future Directions
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized the importance of a well-structured plan for tiger conservation outside reserves. The government is expected to adopt a long-term, multi-pronged strategy that includes community engagement, ecological restoration, compensation for livestock loss, and the relocation of problem animals in extreme cases.
The Environment Ministry also plans to conduct awareness drives and involve local panchayats in conflict resolution. Furthermore, training programs for forest staff will be strengthened to equip them for on-ground challenges.
Conclusion
The launch of the new pilot scheme signifies a paradigm shift in India’s wildlife policy by expanding the scope of tiger conservation beyond traditional reserves. With a significant portion of the tiger population now living outside protected zones, this initiative is both timely and essential. Tiger conservation outside reserves will be a critical determinant in India’s continued success as a global leader in tiger protection.
As the pilot scheme rolls out, its effectiveness will be closely monitored, and successful models could be scaled nationwide. In a country that harbors over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, inclusive and adaptive conservation strategies are no longer an option—they are a necessity.
